A timpani is a type of percussion instrument, made from a hemispherical bowl (called a kettle) with a skin stretched over it. Timpani are usually played with a pair of mallets (timpani sticks). The pitch can be altered by turning the screws or handles, or with the pedals, making timpani different to other drums in terms of the clear sound they are capable of.Timpani are said to derive from military kettledrums, and were introduced to orchestras in the mid-17th century. Until the 19th century, they mostly played a supporting role in orchestras and bands, but from the 20th century onwards, timpani have come to feature prominently in concertos, chamber music, or for solo performances-Canon